WD Records' 50th Anniversary is One for the Record Books - BusinessWire, 9/15/06

-- Label Launches Preservation Process for its Earliest Classic Recordings and Announces the Release of a Commemorative Edition Two-Disc Set

-- First-ever Museum Exhibit at Seattle's Experience Music Project Opens in November

-- "Some people will tell you that music was a key ingredient of Walt Disney's success. Don't you believe it. Music was the foundation of Walt Disney's success." - Leonard Maltin

Fifty days and counting! Walt Disney Records, the leader in family audio entertainment, celebrates its remarkable 50-year history with a celebration of its unique musical heritage, the preservation of its catalog, a commemorative CD and a landmark, first-ever exhibition.

The music of Disney has been enchanting and entertaining audiences for generations, from the first time Mickey Mouse whistled a tune in Steamboat Willie to the modern day phenomenon of High School Musical. Since its launch as Disneyland Records by Walt and Roy Disney in 1956, the label has earned more than 275 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards from the R.I.A.A., 22 Grammys(R) and 18 Academy Awards(R). The label started as an extension of The Walt Disney Company's film, television and theme park projects, in addition to being a springboard for emerging talent. Well-known offerings such as High School Musical (3x platinum), the Disneymania franchise (3 million units), The Lion King franchise (15+ million units) and Mary Poppins (3x platinum) showcase the enduring popularity of WDR's catalog, with several releases ranking among the top-selling singles and soundtracks of all time.

In addition to producing music for the entire family including infants/toddlers, kids, tweens/teens and adults, Walt Disney Records preserves Disney's rich musical history by re-mastering many of its classic soundtracks and original productions. In celebration of the 50th anniversary, a massive preservation and restoration process is underway for the label's earliest classic recordings.

This fall, the label will begin releasing these restored titles and will be available through digital outlets, including iTunes, marking the triumphant release of the great Disneyland and Buena Vista records millions of Americans grew up with. The vast quantity of archive song material consists of classic Disney songs, original material performed by popular artists of the day and movie soundtracks. These vintage treasures will be digitally restored beyond the sonic brilliance of the original masters, allowing them to sound better than they did when they were first issued nearly 50 years ago.